Are you craving a warm, comforting cinnamon coffee cake but short on time? This recipe uses a boxed cake mix as a base, making it incredibly easy to whip up without sacrificing flavor. Get ready for a moist, spiced cake topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
This recipe leverages the convenience of a cake mix to create a delicious coffee cake without the fuss of making a cake from scratch. It's perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and the result is a wonderfully spiced and textured treat that’s sure to impress. We'll enhance a simple cake mix with warming cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and a delightful streusel topping.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- One box of your favorite white or yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Optional: ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg for extra warmth
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
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Make the Cinnamon Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble the Coffee Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon crumble topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the crumble, then sprinkle the remaining crumble evenly over the top.
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm with a cup of coffee or tea!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While white or yellow cake mixes work best, you can experiment with other flavors like spice cake or even a chocolate cake mix for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the cinnamon accordingly—you might want to reduce it slightly if using a spice cake mix.
How can I make this coffee cake even more moist?
Adding a dollop of sour cream or applesauce to the batter can add extra moisture. You can also increase the amount of oil slightly, but be careful not to overdo it.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
This coffee cake is best served fresh, but you can make it a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
What are some variations I can try?
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch to both the batter and the topping.
- Include dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots would complement the cinnamon flavor beautifully.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
- Glaze it up: A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the cooled cake adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
How do I store leftover coffee cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without the lengthy preparation time. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Enjoy!
